How to Implement Beamforming in NS2
To implement the beamforming within NS2 (Network Simulator 2), we will require to extend NS2’s capabilities but it does not natively support beamforming. It is a signal processing method used in the antenna arrays to guide the transmission or reception of the signals in particular directions. The following is a common instruction on how to execute the beamforming in NS2:
Steps for Implementing Beamforming in NS2:
- Modify the Antenna Model:
- The simulation NS2 already has simple antenna models (such as OmniAntenna and PhasedArrayAntenna). We require to either change the current PhasedArrayAntenna model or make a custom beamforming antenna model.
- In the NS2 source code, the antenna models are placed in the /ns-2.35/antenna folder. We can be used PhasedArrayAntenna as a base for the beamforming, while it supports directionality.
- Define Antenna Parameters:
- Describe these parameters like :
- Array geometry: Amount of antennas in the array, spacing among the antennas.
- Beam angle: The direction where the beam will focus.
- Beamwidth: The angular width of the beam.
- This parameters will be used in the computation of beamforming gains.
- Describe these parameters like :
- Implement Signal Processing:
- Change the signal reception model within NS2 to account for beamforming gain. The gain is reliant on the angle among the source nodes and end nodes.
- We may use a steering vector or estimate the phase shifts for every antenna element to attain beamforming in the chosen direction.
- Channel Model Adjustments:
- Change the channel model to support the directional nature of the beamforming antenna. The simulation NS2 uses a wireless channel model, which considers omni-directional antennas by default.
- In the propagation model (e.g., TwoRayGround or FreeSpace) that encompasses the beamforming gain in the signal strength calculation while the signal is obtained.
- Antenna Steering Logic:
- Execute a logic, which modifies the beam angle dynamically according to the position of the target node.
- In the case of MIMO beamforming, we may require to change the MAC and PHY layers to manage several beams.
- NS2 Tcl Script Configuration:
- When the beamforming logic is executed, we can make a new simulation script, which uses the beamforming antenna model.
- In the Tcl script that indicate the use of the beamforming antenna by setting it for the nodes, e.g.,
set ns_ [new Simulator]
set node_ [$ns_ node]
$node_ set antenna_ [new BeamformingAntenna]
- Test and Validate:
- Replicate the various situations to authenticate the beamforming execution, like gain improvements, reduced interference, and signal directionality.
Key Code Files to Modify:
- Antenna Models: antenna/antenna.cc and antenna/antenna.h
- Propagation Models: propagation/propagation.cc
- MAC/PHY Models: Change to adapt the new antenna model for transmission and reception.
We can also refer to the PhasedArrayAntenna execution in NS2 for more furthered beamforming features.
This technique presented the step-by-step guide to support you implement the Beamforming using the tool NS2 to test and validate the results. We will provide any details regarding this manual, if needed. By choosing ns2project.com, you can receive top-notch assistance for implementing Beamforming using the NS2 tool.